DeVerne Lee Calloway facts for kids

DeVerne Lee Calloway (born June 17, 1916 – died January 23, 1993) was an important American politician. She made history by becoming the first African American woman to serve in the Missouri state legislature. A state legislature is a group of elected people who make laws for a state. Calloway was a member of the Democratic Party.

DeVerne Lee Calloway: A Pioneer in Politics

DeVerne Lee Calloway was a groundbreaking figure in American politics. She dedicated her life to public service and fighting for civil rights. Civil rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person. Her work helped open doors for many others.

Early Life and Education

DeVerne Lee Calloway was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She believed strongly in the power of education. She attended several schools and colleges. These included:

• Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School
• LeMoyne College in Memphis
• Atlanta University
• Northwestern University
• Pioneer Business Institute in Philadelphia
• Pendle Hill, a Quaker School in Wallingford, Pennsylvania

Her wide-ranging education helped prepare her for a life of leadership.

A Voice for Change: The Newspaper

DeVerne Calloway was married to Ernest A. Calloway. He was a well-known organizer for the Teamsters union. A union is a group of workers who join together to protect their rights. Together, DeVerne and Ernest published a newspaper. It was first called the Citizen Crusader. Later, its name changed to the New Citizen.

This newspaper was very important for the African American community in St. Louis. It reported on black politics and the fight for civil rights. It gave a voice to important issues and helped share information.

Making History in Missouri

DeVerne Lee Calloway was elected to the Missouri state legislature in 1962. This was a huge moment. She became the first African American woman to serve as a state representative in Missouri. She served in this role for many years, from 1962 to 1980. As a state representative, she helped create laws that affected people across Missouri. Her work helped improve the lives of many citizens.

Her Legacy Lives On

DeVerne Lee Calloway passed away on January 23, 1993. She left behind a powerful legacy. To honor her achievements, an award was named after her. The DeVerne Lee Calloway Award recognizes outstanding female leaders in Missouri. This award continues to celebrate women who follow in her footsteps. It reminds everyone of her courage and dedication.